Marriage in the 21st century has evolved to the point where it has a significant civil component, particularly as regards RIGHTS codified by civil law. While I haven't actually looked these up, my understanding is that these rights number over 1,000, and they include most significantly rights regarding inheritance after the death of one spouse and empowerment regarding medical actions should one spouse be incapacitated (medical power-of-attorney). Such rights should be available to ANY adult consenting couple, based on the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.

These rights in no way have to impinge on religious attitudes regarding homosexuality. There are churches which have no problem with gay marriage, as surely as there are those that do. The fact remains that civil marriage with NO religious component is available to ANY hetero couple right now. The same should be true of gay and Lesbian couples.

"Equal rights" should be available to ALL CITIZENS, or the term "equal" means NOTHING.

Personal opinion is that the idea of "marriage" is a rather archaic and outdated term. Without going into a lengthy history, it was society's recognition of a status change regarding two individuals primarily for property distribution within and between families that had children in common. Only a few hundred years ago did the idea of "romance" enter into it in the west. It was strategic, sexually based, contract for the acquisition and protection of wealth - usually land.

Today's consequences, as Loren correctly points out, has to do with status recognition which impacts property ownership, tax consequences, inheritance, and a myriad number of other financial and legal ramifications.

Personal opinion is that if two consenting adults of any gender, sexual orientation, etc., want to enter into the status of a relationship that recognizes these right and obligations, they should be able to go to a local county courthouse, sign and register their agreement. Bingo - done. No magic incantations, no figure of authority (shaman, judge, ship captain, etc.) need approve it. If they wish to leave it, go down to the same courthouse, take a red pen, and write "cancelled" on it. If they can't agree on property distribution, debt allocation, child custody, etc., that came from the relationship, go to an arbitrator.

Same sex marriage means that same thing as traditional marriage. It means money for lawyers.

A relationship which was once beautiful becomes entangled with law upon marriage or civil partnership. It is a fact that a high percentage of marriages and civil partnerships break down. Therefore specialist lawyers are already preparing to open up shop. They're waiting for it !